Many of us grew up with our parents and grandparents giving us home-spun advice on how to stay safe and healthy. Affectionately known as old wives’ tales, these pointers originate from oral traditions of storytelling that have been passed down through generations. People often take these comforting tips to heart, even if they aren’t always based on medical facts.
Sure, old wives’ tales are nostalgic and fun – but is there any truth behind them? vybe is taking a closer look at some of the most common old wives’ tales to let you know which ones are proven and which are all talk.
False.
Ah, the phrase that every eager kid dreads! The reasoning behind this myth is that eating causes your body to divert blood from your limbs to your digestive tract, depriving your arms and legs of the energy needed to swim safely.
While it’s true that digestion requires extra blood, it doesn’t use enough to stop your limbs from working properly. According to Duke Health, the worst thing that might happen from swimming immediately after eating is a small, harmless cramp.
Still not convinced? The Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council confirms there are zero reported cases of drowning incidents caused by swimming after eating – so you can have your lunch and swim after it, too.
50/50
Frequent knuckle-cracking may annoy others around you, but studies have confirmed that it won’t likely cause arthritis.
That “pop” you hear when you crack a knuckle is caused by bubbles bursting in the fluid that helps lubricate your joints. The bubbles pop when you pull the bones apart by stretching your fingers or bending them backward, creating negative pressure.
Even though cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis, it’s still a good idea to break the habit. Too much knuckle cracking can lead to swelling, decreased grip strength, and functional hand impairment over time.
50/50.
This old wives’ tale originates from the idea that eating generates warmth to cure a cold, but any heat would be unfavorable when the body is already hot with a fever. This tale is only partially true because it’s important to stay nourished to fight any illness – even a fever.
Eating may be the last thing you want to do when sick, especially if you’ve lost your appetite or have a sore throat. But it’s important to stay well-fed to help your immune system to fight off infection.
Some experts say that what you drink is far more important than what you eat when you are sick. Fevers dehydrate your body, so be sure you drink plenty of fluids.
One more tip, getting plenty of sleep is another way to help you get over your illness.
False.
Uh-oh, eating food that landed on the ground probably isn’t as safe as you thought. This well-known “rule” insinuates that food can be on the ground for up to five seconds before becoming unsafe to eat. Unfortunately, there’s no scientific evidence of this fact.
Any food that falls to the ground is at risk of coming in contact with bacteria, making it unsafe to eat. Research shows that food can instantaneously pick up bacteria from any surface – wherever it lands. One published study tested a variety of foods on multiple floor surfaces and found that none of them completely avoided contamination.
If you drop food, it’s best to play it safe and throw it away – no matter how clean your floor may seem.
False.
Despite well-intended warnings, colds are caused by viruses, not the state of your hair. This tale originates from the fact that illnesses, especially colds, are more common in the winter months and the myth that hair traps heat in your body. (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.)
Research suggests that our immune systems slow in colder weather, which is one reason cold viruses seem to spread more easily when it’s cold outside. Cold air makes the nasal passage drier, leading to a higher chance of infection. Plus, with more indoor gatherings during the winter, you may be in close contact with someone else who is sick.
Mayo Clinic confirms that going outside with wet hair will only make you feel cold – it won’t make you catch one.
Old wives tales have been around for centuries, but it’s better to get your advice from a medical source. The medical experts at vybe can provide physicals and testing for illnesses. vybe can also prescribe medication when needed.
vybe is open seven days a week with extended hours to test, diagnose, and treat illnesses. Walk in or schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations today!
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